Gosselin: Cowboys have taken step back on defense, step forward on offense

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MICHAEL AINSWORTH / Staff Photographer

Head coach Jason Garrett and defensive coordinator Rob Ryan talk after a play during the Cowboys-Eagles game on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

Published: 28 January 2013 07:48 PM

Updated: 04 February 2013 10:10 AM

Columnist Rick Gosselin answered questions in a chat Monday. Here are some highlights.

Do you think the Cowboys have taken a step forward or a step backward so far this offseason?

Tough to judge at this point because the roster remains intact. Players still win and lose games. Let's see what the Cowboys do in free agency and the draft. I think the Cowboys will take a step back in switching defensive schemes but a step forward in the offensive play-calling. I think Bill Callahan will place a greater emphasis on the running game and giving the offense some balance. I think the offense needs a fresh new approach and Callahan can provide it. Let's see who the Cowboys add to execute the new defensive scheme and changing philosophy on offense.

Without the Cowboys hitting on multiple picks this upcoming draft, do you see any reason to expect more than another 8-8 season from them? Possibly worse with a new D scheme and O-coordinator?

The Cowboys only hit on one pick in the draft last year. Saying they will hit on multiple picks in this draft may be a stretch. I don't see them catching the Redskins or Giants in the East. If they finish third, an 8-8 finish would be on the optimistic side

What's the one thing that Jason Garrett can do to improve the team next year?

Produce in the red zone. The Cowboys move from the 20 to the 20 with the best offenses in the NFL. They need to transform their inside-the-20 possessions into the touchdowns in 2013 instead of field goals. If that gets the Cowboys to 10 wins, that should be enough to keep Garrett employed into 2014.

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